Observation: Masaki`s open spaces turned into hideouts

Masaki residents have expressed dismay over open spaces that have been turned into hideouts for suspected bandits.

Speaking with this reporter recently, the residents said most risky open spaces included Plot No 1832 along Haile Selassie Road, which was stopped from being developed in January 2010 by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development on grounds that its development was done contrary to municipal council’s guidelines.

Speaking on behalf of fellow residents Masaki Local Government Chairperson Janeth Mbene said they had already written to Kinondoni District Commissioner Jordan Rugimbana on the matter and the authorities promised to deal with the matter accordingly.

According to Rugimbana, the district will mount a special operation to arrest suspected bandits hiding in open spaces. “We will soon mount a special operation throughout the district including areas like Mwenge, Tegeta and Masaki,” he said.

He noted that land disputes in Masaki and other areas were aggravated by dishonest officials in Kinondoni Municipal Council and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements, who allocated plots illegally without following appropriate channels.

When contacted for comments, Urban Planning in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development Director Albina Burra said her department had nothing to do with the issue since the plots in question were designated open spaces.

“When the responsible authorities declare a plot in question to be an open space the concerned municipal council has to ensure it remains open as intended,” she noted.